IT'S been written that few Australians listened to the music of Slim Dusty in the early 1950s.
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By 1958, however, he was on the way to becoming a cultural icon and many Aussies could sing at least some of the words of his song A Pub With No Beer as it reached the top of our charts.
The Central West's biggest Slim Dusty fan presents one of 2MCE's most popular programs each Sunday afternoon. Her name is Chris Tobin.
Chris is a long-time member of the Bathurst Country Music Club.
Yes, she plays country music and each session features Slim Dusty, who she knows is among her listeners' favourites.
She begins with advice: "Sit yourself down for a relaxing afternoon." She could also add: "Prepare yourself for a nostalgic trip down memory lane."
When you tune in from 2 o'clock, you'll hear the old country songs which tell a story and might bring a tear to your eye and take you back in time. Here's a small sample:
Marty Robbins' hit from 1959, El Paso, Frank Ifield's She Taught Me How To Yodel, Dolly Parton's Can I Have This Dance?, Slim Whitman's biggest seller China Doll, Shirley Thom's Just Someone I Used To Know and Sharon Helship's Where Roses Used To Grow.
Australia's Jimmy Little had a big hit with The Royal Telephone in 1963 and a Burl Ives cover is playing as I write this.
Many listeners to the Country Music Club Show would know that Slim Dusty was married to singer-songwriter Joy McKean.
She began her career singing with her sister Heather and you might hear Chris play one of their duets, such as Where The Frangipanis Grow or a solo vocal.
Slim Dusty's early recordings are not the only ones featured.
He was working on his 106th album at the time of his death in 2003 and his later songs get airplay also.
Chris Tobin is one of many in 2MCE's family of volunteers and has had a long association with the station.
She appreciates the opportunity to share the music she loves with others.
As a proud member of the Bathurst Country Music Club, she looks forward to the "open mic" at the club's monthly musters when they can resume at the RSL Club.
Like another member of the 2MCE family, Jeff Cox, Chris has been declared a Living Legend by Bathurst Regional Council.
The Country Music Club Show is on each Sunday at 2pm.
